Healthy Living:

Surveillance Guidelines for the

General Population

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for early detection of cancer in people without symptoms or a family history of cancers.

Breast

Self exam every month for women age 20 or over.
Clinical breast exams by physician or nurse every three years for women age 20-40, every year if over 40. (This exam should be done close to the time of the scheduled mammogram.)
Mammogram every year for women age 40 or over.

Female Reproductive System

Pelvic exam and PAP test every year for women who are, or who have been sexually active or have reached age 18.
After 3 or more consecutive satisfactory normal exams, the PAP test may be performed less frequently at the physician's discretion.